It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 8 Part 2

‘What?’

I couldn’t see the contents of the scroll because the Duke was still standing in front of me, blocking my view.

So, I was genuinely surprised when the next words burst out.

“Hey, an engagement letter?!”

“And it even bears the seal of approval! This is absurd!”

‘Eh?’

No. When did the engagement letter happen without my knowledge?

‘Let’s proceed with this contract marriage!’ It’s only been a few days. How was the engagement approved so quickly?

Moreover, everyone knows how slow the administrative process is. How did they manage to obtain the engagement letter so swiftly?

Unknowingly, I grabbed the Duke’s arm in response to the whirlwind of questions in my mind.

“Ah.”

I was startled by my own actions.

He had accepted the proposal for a contract marriage, but he is the Duke of Ivernum, and he seems so innocent… When I think about it…

“!”

The Duke’s gloved hand wrapped around mine. I was surprised by the warmth that was greater than I had anticipated.

As the Duke held my hand, he stayed still for a moment, and then whispered, “Don’t worry.”

Hmm. Is this something I shouldn’t worry about?

Confusion was evident on his face, and for some reason, the Duke looked down at me, his eyes revealing a faint smile.

‘No, Duke, I didn’t do this to amuse you.’

Was that playful expression similar to that of a duke? While I was bewildered by his actions…

“This person! How dare you disrespect me, His Majesty’s second cousin!”

The Marquis shouted from a distance, keeping his distance from the Duke.

His trembling finger pointing accusingly.

“Marquis! Are you leaving already? Should we see you off—”

The flop family hurriedly tried to intervene.

“I will never forget this insult!”

“Enough, that’s enough!”

The flop family, their faces pale, looked as if they might faint at any moment, after being humiliated by Marquis Gaspard, who slammed the door and left.

“Uh, uh, how could this happen?!”

My mother turned to me, her lips trembling as she screamed.

“You, you! How could you?!”

She exhaled with embarrassment, tears welling up in her eyes.

“I… What have I done to deserve this? How could you cause such a huge problem like this!”

“Yeah! Without even telling us about the engagement!”

Doulian cheered and shouted in support.

Beside him, Chiaville – my eldest brother, who usually carried himself with great importance, revealed a completely different side as he jumped up and down in agitation.

“Do you understand how crucial this position is for the family? Do you have any idea what you’ve recklessly destroyed?”

It must have been quite frustrating for Chiaville to see the family matters he was supposed to inherit in disarray. He shouted with a volcanic rage.

“You’re not some insignificant old lady from the outskirts. You’re supposed to be the wife of a viscount who is connected to nobility! The viscountess!”

It’s only good for you that you’re well-connected.

“You didn’t even realize the importance of the position bestowed upon you!”

“If the position is so important, can I give it to you, my brother?”

As I saw his enthusiasm, I happily suggested it.

Chiaville’s face twisted in anger.

“You… I raised you so well.”

What? When did he raise me?

Internally, I snorted, preparing myself for the upcoming shock.

If I remove the facade of being the “youngest love,” I’ll be eaten up so easily, to the point of being greeted by others.

Whiik-.

I saw his arm swinging loudly, making a sound in the process. However, contrary to my expectations, Chiaville’s hand did not come crashing down on me.

“Keah!”

Because his large hand held it tightly.

Chiaville’s face turned red as the Duke let out an ugly growl.

“Let go! Duke of Ivernum.”

“… …”

“No, let go!”

Despite Chiaville’s attempts to twist his body, the Duke’s grip on his arm did not waver.

With no strength to break free, Chiaville shouted with a lump in his throat.

“This is meddling! Even the Duke has no right to interfere in family matters!”

“No.”

The Duke dismissed Chiaville’s words and threw her arm away as if discarding garbage.

“Didn’t you hear? Who is my fiancée?”

“That, that… That can’t be—”

“Now, her ‘family’ belongs to me.”

The Duke didn’t listen to Chiaville’s stammering and cut her off.

“Evely.”

Approaching me, the Duke called my name as naturally as he would address his own fiancée, and extended his arm to me, as if seeking permission to escort me.

I raised my hand in response and glanced back.

I could see the dumbfounded expressions on the faces of the members of the flop family, their mouths agape.